Restoration: Week 1 - Forgiveness
Restoration
Week 1: Forgiveness
Sunday, January 18th, 2025
Apostle Mike Herzog
When hope is restored, that gives you something to hold on to. When hope is restored, it also helps you to see the bigger picture. Apostle Mike uses the analogy of a corn maze to elaborate. When trying to navigate inside of the maze, you can only see what is in front of you and what is behind you. If you view the maze from above with a drone, you can see the entire maze from a larger perspective. You can regain optimism when you see the wider picture.
Hebrews 6:19
This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,
Anchors help you stand still against the current and tide during the storm. Having God as our anchor, by keeping our hope in Him, allows us to stand firm no matter what happens in our lives.
Hopelessness can cause people to act differently than they do when they have hope. When someone is hopeless, you may notice things like social withdrawal, neglect of health or personal hygiene, changes in appetite or sleep, low motivation, irritability, sadness, and even risky behavior. In extreme cases, hopelessness can lead to self-harm. Over the last ten years, for those in the age bracket between 18 and 24, suicides have increased by twenty percent. This age bracket is typically considered the most exciting time of life, yet this is also the prime time that hopelessness can arise. Regaining more that has been lost is the goal of restoration. Jesus makes us better than we were before we hit our lowest point.
John 1:19
That was the true light which gives light to every man coming into the world.
When the burden of sin is realized, the thought of being unrighteous can be a hopeless feeling. Everyone has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. God knew we could never be perfect, so He sent His son to die for our sins to pay the price on the cross to save our souls so we can be forgiven for our sins. Forgiveness is the key to restoration. In your sin Satan works to shame you, belittle you, condemn you, steal purpose from you, and cause you to see yourself differently than who you really are. Believing the lies Satan is telling you can put you in a hopeless mindset. Satan is unable to tell the truth. When those lies creep in, remember they are the opposite of what the truth is. When you hear the lies that there’s no hope and no way out, that is a sign that breakthrough is just around the corner and Satan is trying to trick you to cause you to miss your breakthrough.
When you confess your sins to God and ask for His forgiveness, He forgives you and you are the righteousness in Christ Jesus. In addition, you become more aware of how much mercy and grace that He has given you. We love to receive forgiveness, but it’s much more difficult to forgive others. We play a key part in the restoration of others by giving them the gift of forgiveness. When someone hurts you, that hurt comes with certain rights. We feel entitled to the right to be upset, disappointed, or angry. We tend to demand an apology. At times some of us might have the desire for the person who hurts you to feel the pain you feel, to want to see them fail, or you might have the desire to get even. Forgiveness is you releasing the rights to hold onto those feelings. The toughest part about releasing those rights is the unsettling concern of who will hold the wrongdoer accountable.
Job 1:8-22
There was a man in the land of UZ, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil. And seven sons and three daughters were born to him. Also, his possessions were seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred female donkeys, and a very large household, so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the East. And his sons would go and feast in their houses, each on his appointed day, and would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did regularly. Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. And the LORD said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.” Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?” So Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have you not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!” And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.” So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD. Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house; and a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, when the Sabeans raided them and took them away – indeed they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels and took them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, and suddenly a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you!” Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said; “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD.” In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.
God is looking for us to trust Him no matter what happens. Job did exactly that. He did not sin regardless of what happened to him.
Job 2:7-11
So Satan left the LORD’s presence, and he struck Job with terrible boils from head to foot. Job scraped his skin with a piece of broken pottery as he sat among the ashes. His wife said to him, “Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and die.” But Job replied, “You talk like a foolish woman. Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?” So in all this, Job said nothing wrong. When three of Job’s friends heard of the tragedy he had suffered, they got together and traveled from their homes to comfort and console him. Their names were Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Sophar the Naamathite.
Amidst intense suffering, Job’s friends arrived not with solace, but with harsh accusations, insisting that his afflictions were a consequence of grievous faults. Such condemnation, layered atop his existing grief, undoubtedly compounded his anguish. This highlights that restoration is needed not only for those who suffer but also for those who may cause hurt.
Job 42:8-10
Now therefore, take yourselves seven bulls and seven rams, go to My servant Job, and offer up yourselves as burnt offering; and My servant Job shall pray for you. For I will accept him, lest I deal with you according to your folly; because you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has.” So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went and did as the LORD commanded them; for the LORD had accepted Job. And the LORD restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.
God instructed Job’s friends to bring a sacrifice to Job and ask him to pray for their forgiveness. Despite how harshly they had treated him, Job interceded on their behalf, praying sincerely for their mercy. Because of Job’s compassionate and forgiving heart, God blessed him abundantly.
Job 42:10
And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.
Forgiveness is not just a gift you can give another person to help them heal; it also heals you and frees you from the prison of bitterness and resentment. Job’s restoration was directly related to him doing restoration work for his friends.
Week 1: Forgiveness
Sunday, January 18th, 2025
Apostle Mike Herzog
When hope is restored, that gives you something to hold on to. When hope is restored, it also helps you to see the bigger picture. Apostle Mike uses the analogy of a corn maze to elaborate. When trying to navigate inside of the maze, you can only see what is in front of you and what is behind you. If you view the maze from above with a drone, you can see the entire maze from a larger perspective. You can regain optimism when you see the wider picture.
Hebrews 6:19
This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,
Anchors help you stand still against the current and tide during the storm. Having God as our anchor, by keeping our hope in Him, allows us to stand firm no matter what happens in our lives.
Hopelessness can cause people to act differently than they do when they have hope. When someone is hopeless, you may notice things like social withdrawal, neglect of health or personal hygiene, changes in appetite or sleep, low motivation, irritability, sadness, and even risky behavior. In extreme cases, hopelessness can lead to self-harm. Over the last ten years, for those in the age bracket between 18 and 24, suicides have increased by twenty percent. This age bracket is typically considered the most exciting time of life, yet this is also the prime time that hopelessness can arise. Regaining more that has been lost is the goal of restoration. Jesus makes us better than we were before we hit our lowest point.
John 1:19
That was the true light which gives light to every man coming into the world.
When the burden of sin is realized, the thought of being unrighteous can be a hopeless feeling. Everyone has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. God knew we could never be perfect, so He sent His son to die for our sins to pay the price on the cross to save our souls so we can be forgiven for our sins. Forgiveness is the key to restoration. In your sin Satan works to shame you, belittle you, condemn you, steal purpose from you, and cause you to see yourself differently than who you really are. Believing the lies Satan is telling you can put you in a hopeless mindset. Satan is unable to tell the truth. When those lies creep in, remember they are the opposite of what the truth is. When you hear the lies that there’s no hope and no way out, that is a sign that breakthrough is just around the corner and Satan is trying to trick you to cause you to miss your breakthrough.
When you confess your sins to God and ask for His forgiveness, He forgives you and you are the righteousness in Christ Jesus. In addition, you become more aware of how much mercy and grace that He has given you. We love to receive forgiveness, but it’s much more difficult to forgive others. We play a key part in the restoration of others by giving them the gift of forgiveness. When someone hurts you, that hurt comes with certain rights. We feel entitled to the right to be upset, disappointed, or angry. We tend to demand an apology. At times some of us might have the desire for the person who hurts you to feel the pain you feel, to want to see them fail, or you might have the desire to get even. Forgiveness is you releasing the rights to hold onto those feelings. The toughest part about releasing those rights is the unsettling concern of who will hold the wrongdoer accountable.
Job 1:8-22
There was a man in the land of UZ, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil. And seven sons and three daughters were born to him. Also, his possessions were seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred female donkeys, and a very large household, so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the East. And his sons would go and feast in their houses, each on his appointed day, and would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did regularly. Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. And the LORD said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.” Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?” So Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have you not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!” And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.” So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD. Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house; and a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, when the Sabeans raided them and took them away – indeed they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels and took them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, and suddenly a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you!” Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said; “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD.” In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.
God is looking for us to trust Him no matter what happens. Job did exactly that. He did not sin regardless of what happened to him.
Job 2:7-11
So Satan left the LORD’s presence, and he struck Job with terrible boils from head to foot. Job scraped his skin with a piece of broken pottery as he sat among the ashes. His wife said to him, “Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and die.” But Job replied, “You talk like a foolish woman. Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?” So in all this, Job said nothing wrong. When three of Job’s friends heard of the tragedy he had suffered, they got together and traveled from their homes to comfort and console him. Their names were Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Sophar the Naamathite.
Amidst intense suffering, Job’s friends arrived not with solace, but with harsh accusations, insisting that his afflictions were a consequence of grievous faults. Such condemnation, layered atop his existing grief, undoubtedly compounded his anguish. This highlights that restoration is needed not only for those who suffer but also for those who may cause hurt.
Job 42:8-10
Now therefore, take yourselves seven bulls and seven rams, go to My servant Job, and offer up yourselves as burnt offering; and My servant Job shall pray for you. For I will accept him, lest I deal with you according to your folly; because you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has.” So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went and did as the LORD commanded them; for the LORD had accepted Job. And the LORD restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.
God instructed Job’s friends to bring a sacrifice to Job and ask him to pray for their forgiveness. Despite how harshly they had treated him, Job interceded on their behalf, praying sincerely for their mercy. Because of Job’s compassionate and forgiving heart, God blessed him abundantly.
Job 42:10
And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.
Forgiveness is not just a gift you can give another person to help them heal; it also heals you and frees you from the prison of bitterness and resentment. Job’s restoration was directly related to him doing restoration work for his friends.
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